The Fresh Start Effect for Brighter Tomorrows
Have you heard of the Fresh Start Effect? It’s the idea that certain moments in time—like the start of a new year, a birthday, or even a Monday—can boost our motivation to make positive changes. These moments serve as psychological turning points, making it easier to separate from past behaviors and embrace new ones.
The concept comes from Dr. Katherine Milkman and her colleagues at Wharton, whose research shows that fresh starts work because they create a mental distinction between our "past self" and our "new self." For example, maybe your 2024 self had habits around alcohol that no longer align with how you want to feel. But that was then.
A fresh start helps you see yourself as someone capable of different choices moving forward.
At Tomorrow Cellars, we believe in the power of fresh starts and embracing small changes that lead to a brighter tomorrow. Whether that means switching in non-alcoholic wine during the week, prioritizing connection, or simply celebrating the season ahead with a glass of something that makes you feel good, we’re here for it.
And since spring is officially springing, we’re embracing the change of season as the perfect opportunity for a reset. Here’s what we’re listening to, reading, eating, drinking, and doing to bring the Fresh Start Effect into the new season.
Listen: The Liz Moody Podcast Habits & Routines for Decluttering & Organizing Every Part Of Your Life
Health and wellness journalist Liz Moody dives into ways to declutter your home and life with professional organizer Shira Gill. Supercharge your spring cleaning with their tips on decluttering, cleaning out closets and creating a peaceful space.
Eat: Spring Celebration Bowl
Inspired by Andrea Bemis at Dishing Up the Dirt, this vibrant bowl is all about embracing the fresh flavors of the season. With nourishing greens, crisp spring veggies, and a creamy lemon tahini dressing, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of warmer days. Use the ingredients below as a guide, and feel free to mix and match to make it your own! This pairs beautifully with our Rhône Blanc.
For the Bowl
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 cups sugar snap peas
• 4 radishes, halved
• 1 bag baby kale
• 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup pepitas
For the Lemon Tahini Dressing
This simple, savory dressing can be customized with miso, maple syrup, or fresh herbs for a different flavor twist.
• ¼ cup tahini
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 to 4 tbsp nutritional yeast, to taste
• 3 to 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
Make the Dressing:
Use a food processor to mince the garlic.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. (Alternatively, whisk by hand until well combined.)
Make the BowI:
Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the asparagus, snap peas, and radishes lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
While the veggies are roasting, sauté the kale with a touch of olive oil
Assemble the Bowl. Add quinoa to the base of each bowl. Top with roasted veggies, sautéed kale, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle with pepitas and drizzle with the lemon tahini dressing. Serve and enjoy!
Drink: Grapefruit Spritz
A bright, citrusy, and herbaceous spritz that captures how you’ll feel with a fresh spring start.
Ingredients:
• 3 oz Tomorrow Cellars Sparkling Blanc de Rhône
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz sparkling water or tonic
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
• Grapefruit slice (for garnish)
• Ice
Instructions
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add fresh grapefruit juice and gently stir.
Pour in Tomorrow Cellars Sparkling Blanc de Rhône and top with sparkling water.
Lightly rub a sprig of thyme between your hands to release its aroma, then drop it in. Garnish with a thin grapefruit slice and an extra thyme sprig.
Do: Get more sunshine!
One of the easiest ways to make your days brighter—literally—is to step outside and soak up more sunshine, especially first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Research shows that natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep and improved energy. But beyond the science, it’s easy to feel the benefits—fresh air, a reset from screens, and a moment to slow down and be present.
At Tomorrow Cellars, we’re all about small rituals that come together to create brighter tomorrows. Whether it’s stepping outside for a morning walk, taking a sun-soaked break in the afternoon, or winding down with something that makes you feel good, these simple moments add up. So use this fresh start to take control of your day-to-day and make it feel good!